Mpo micro-latch-lock connector

ABSTRACT

Optical fiber connectors and adapters are disclosed. A connector includes a flat pin assembly including a pin, a mechanical transfer ferrule boot disposed around at least a portion of the assembly, a housing disposed around at least a portion of the ferrule, and a locking plate. The housing includes first, second, top, and bottom sides. The first and second sides include a recess. The top side includes a groove. The locking plate includes a fastening mechanism configured to interlock with the groove. An optical fiber adapter includes first and second adapter ends each having one or more connecting arms to secure a separate optical fiber connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/504,154, filed May 10, 2017, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/613,674 filed on Jun. 5, 2017.

BACKGROUND

The field of invention of the present disclosure relates generally tofiber optic connectors, and more specifically to low profileoptical-fiber connectors with latch-lock connectors.

The prevalence of the Internet has led to unprecedented growth incommunication networks. Consumer demand for service and increasedcompetition has caused network providers to continuously find ways toimprove quality of service while reducing cost.

Certain solutions have included deployment of high-density interconnectpanels. High-density interconnect panels may be designed to consolidatethe increasing volume of interconnections necessary to support datanetworks in a compacted form factor, thereby increasing quality ofservice and decreasing costs such as floor space and support overhead.However, the deployment of high-density interconnect panels have notbeen fully realized.

In communication networks, such as data centers and switching networks,numerous interconnections between mating connectors may be compactedinto high-density panels. Panel and connector producers may optimize forsuch high densities by shrinking the connector size and/or the spacingbetween adjacent connectors on the panel. While both approaches may beeffective to increase the panel connector density, shrinking theconnector size and/or spacing may also increase support cost anddiminish quality of service.

In a high-density panel configuration, adjacent connectors and cableassemblies may be close to one another and thus interfere with access toadjacent connectors. Overstressing the cables and connectors may producelatent defects, compromise the integrity and/or reliability of theterminations, and potentially cause serious disruptions to networkperformance.

While an operator may attempt to use a tool, such as a screwdriver, toreach into a dense group of connectors and activate a release mechanism,adjacent cables and connectors may obstruct the operator's line ofsight, making it difficult to guide the tool to the release mechanismwithout pushing aside the adjacent cables. Moreover, even when theoperator has a clear line of sight, guiding the tool to the releasemechanism may be a time-consuming process. Thus, using a tool may not beeffective at reducing support time and increasing quality of service.

Small Form Factor Pluggable Transceivers (SFP) are used presently intelecommunication infrastructures within rack-mounted copper-to-fibermedia converters. Ethernet switches, and/or patching hubs. Ethernet andfiber optic connections are evolving quickly to increase connectiondensity due to limited space for such equipment. Although fiber opticconnectors have become smaller over the years, they have not beendesigned to be any smaller than necessary to plug into commonly sizedand readily available SFPs. However, as transceiver technologiesdevelop, smaller SFPs will be used to create higher density switchesand/or patching hub equipment. Accordingly, there is a need for fiberoptic connectors that will satisfy the form factors for smaller SFPs.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein address the aforementioned shortcomings byproviding optical fiber connectors that have a relatively low profileincluding a latch-lock connector and locking plate. In some embodiments,a connector system may include an adapter.

In summary, the present disclosure provides an optical fiber connectorhaving a flat pin assembly with at least one pin for a male ferruleconfiguration or no pins for female ferrule configuration. The opticalfiber connector may also have a mechanical transfer ferrule boot and atleast a portion of the flat pin assembly attached to the ferrule, and ahousing disposed around at least a portion of the mechanical transferferrule. The present disclosure provides further details regarding thehousing having a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottomside, wherein each of the first side and the second side includes atleast one recess, and the top side includes at least one groove. Also,the top or bottom side may have a plural of grooves corresponding to anumber of fastening mechanisms configured as part of a locking plate.Additionally, the optical connector may have a locking plate with one ormore fastening mechanisms each configured to interlock with the at leastone groove.

The present disclosure also provides an optical fiber adapter having afirst adapter end configured to receive a first optical fiber connectorwith one or more first connecting arms, and a second adapter endconfigured to receive a second optical fiber connector with one or moresecond connecting arms. In some embodiments, the adapter 760 may couplethe second optical fiber connector to the first optical fiber connector.

Further presented herein is a system having both an optical fiberconnector and an optical fiber adapter. The optical fiber connectorincludes a flat pin assembly with at least one pin for a male ferruleconfiguration or no pins for a female ferrule configuration. The opticalfiber connector may also have a mechanical transfer ferrule boot and atleast a portion of the flat pin assembly attached to the mechanicaltransfer ferrule boot, and a housing disposed around at least a portionof the mechanical transfer ferrule. The present disclosure providesfurther details regarding the housing having a first side, a secondside, a top side, and a bottom side, wherein each of the first side andsecond side includes at least one recess, and the top side includes atleast one first groove. Additionally, the optical connector may have alocking plate with one or more first fastening mechanisms eachconfigured to interlock with the at least one first groove. The opticalfiber adapter includes a first adapter end configured to receive a firstoptical fiber connector with one or more first connecting arms, and asecond adapter end configured to receive a second optical fiberconnector with one or more second connecting arms. In some embodiments,the adapter may couple the second optical fiber connector to the firstoptical fiber connector.

Further presented herein, the locking plate moves along a longitudinalaxis of the micro-latchlock connector. The longitudinal axis is definedas a proximal end at dust cover 150 (FIG. 1), and distal end at lockingplate 110 (FIG. 1). Pushing locking plate 110 toward proximal end untilit stops, locks connector 200 within an adapter housing 760 (FIG. 7).Pulling locking plate 110 toward a distal end, unlocks connector fromadapter housing, thereby, allowing a user to remove the connector fromwithin adapter.

The foregoing, as well as additional objects, features and advantages ofthe present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detaileddescription, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO)micro-latch-lock connector.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO)micro-latch-lock connector in an unlocked position.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO) micro-latch-lockconnector in an unlocked position.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO)micro-latch-lock connector in a locked position.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO) micro-latch-lockconnector in a locked position.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO) micro-latch-lockconnector.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exploded multi-fiber push on (MPO)micro-latch-lock connector.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO)micro-latch-lock connector within a standard adapter.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a multi-fiber push on (MPO) micro-latch-lockconnector within a standard adapter of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of a conventional MPO connector.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a conventional MPO connector.

FIG. 8C is an exploded view of an MPO inner and outer housing of FIG.8B.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices andmethods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in thedescription is for the purpose of describing the particular versions orembodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this application,the respective meanings set forth below.

A “connector,” as used herein, refers to a device and/or componentsthereof that connects a first module or cable to a second module orcable. The connector may be configured for fiber optic transmission orelectrical signal transmission. The connector may be any suitable typenow known or later developed, such as, for example, a ferrule connector(FC), a fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) connector, an LCconnector, a mechanical transfer (MT) connector, a square connector (SC)connector, an SC duplex connector, or a straight tip (ST) connector. Theconnector may generally be defined by a connector housing body. In someembodiments, the housing body may incorporate any or all of thecomponents described herein.

A “fiber optic cable” or an “optical cable” refers to a cable containingone or more optical fibers for conducting optical signals in beams oflight. The optical fibers can be constructed from any suitabletransparent material, including glass, fiberglass, and plastic. Thecable can include a jacket or sheathing material surrounding the opticalfibers. In addition, the cable can be connected to a connector on oneend or on both ends of the cable.

The terminal ends of a cable may include a connector used to connect thecable with another cable or other fiber optic devices. A connector mayinclude a housing structure configured to interact with and connect withan adapter. An adapter, among other things, may include two alignedports that align fiber optic connectors and/or electrical connectorstherein. The adapter may be used, for example and without limitation, toalign and connect optical fibers end-to-end or to allow for pin/socketelectrical connections.

Micro-latch-lock connectors provide a connection interface for industrystandard 0.079″ (i.e., 2.00 mm) wire-to-board applications. Generally, amicro-latch system includes female crimp terminals, receptacle housings,and semi-shrouded vertical headers. The connector may include a frictionlock mechanism by which the noses on the receptacle housings slide intothe header wall openings. This ensures a durable mating and protectionof the electrical circuits. As disclosed herein, various embodiments mayincorporate a micro-latch (i.e., micro-latch lock) system into a lowprofile fiber optical connector.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a conventional multi-fiber push on (MPO)connector 800 has an overall length much greater than the MPO microconnector 137 (refer to FIG. 1) disclosed herein. Length reduction ishighly desirable to allow racks of adapters with connectors therein(refer to FIG. 6) to be placed closer together. This reduces data roomsize. Referring to FIG. 8A, a conventional MPO connector 800 comprisesan inner housing 862, outer housing 860, ferrule 140 with pin-keeper130, spring 863, back body 864, crimp ring 866 and boot 868. Referringto FIG. 8B, when assembled ferrule and pin-keep are inserted in theinner housing 862. The back body 864 accepts spring 863 which is securedwith the crimp ring 866, and the boot 868 secures the final assembly.Referring to FIG. 8C, an exploded view of the inner 862 and outer 860housing further comprises a pair of springs 865. Spring 865 ispositioned in slot 862 a located on either side of inner housing 862.The springs 865 keep the outer housing 860 in a biased forward position.Use of springs 865 is additional component cost, assembly cost andpresents quality issues in the form of repeatability in assembly overmicro connector (200, 300) of the present invention, which does not usesprings 865.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the present invention, there is a substantialreduction in components and thus assembly time. The removal of spring863 (FIG. 8A) and springs 862 (FIG. 8B) contribute to connector sizereduction, reduced assembly time and component cost. Removing spring 863also eliminates back body 864, crimp ring 866 and boot 868. In standarduse, spring 863 biases the ferrule forward. As explained more fullybelow, MPO locking plate 510 covers an adapter arm 770 or hook 770 (FIG.7) that is secured in recess 723. Locking plate prevents adapter arm 770from releasing under normal cable disruption, and further helps ensure aferrule assembly 135 (FIG. 1) and its housing 120 is biased forward toensure minimum insertion loss. The present invention or locking plateallows for expected industry use with a standard industry adapter 660 ata reduced profile or shorter overall length MPO connector.

Accordingly, embodiments as disclosed herein may detail a housing thatacts as an adapter in order to allow a multi-fiber push on (MPO) microconnector to fit into a standard adapter. In some embodiments, as shownin FIG. 1, the micro-latch-lock system 100 may comprise a MPO lockingplate 110, a MPO low profile connector housing 120, a MPO flat metal pinassembly 130, a mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule boot 140, and a MPOconnector dust cap 150. It should be understood that depictedmicro-latch-lock system 100 is a non-limiting example of amicro-latch-lock system, and that other systems may include one, all, orsome combination of the above-described components of the depictedmicro-latch-lock system.

Generally, as shown in FIG. 8A a standard MPO micro connector is longerthan a MPO micro connector of FIGS. 2B or 3B. MPO micro connector 137comprises MT ferrule 140, pin-keep 130, housing 120 and locking plate110.

Thus, embodiments exist, as shown and described in FIG. 1, where aconnector housing 120 may have a locking mechanism. This lockingmechanism may serve to “lock” and/or “unlock” the connector 200 of thepresent invention from an adapter housing 760. Also embodiments providefor locking plate section to act as a guide in securing connector system100, 200 into an adapter housing 760.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an embodiment in an “unlocked” state 200. Asshown in FIG. 2A, housing 220 may contain a locking groove 221 and arelease groove 224 that both span a substantial width of housingsufficient to secure locking plate 210 and allow its operate asdisclosed herein. In a further embodiment, MPO locking plate 210 mayinclude one or more first fastening mechanisms 211 configured tointeract with grooves 221 and 224 to attach locking plate 210 to housing220. In an embodiment, each of a top side and a bottom side of housing220 includes a locking groove 221, a release groove 224, and can accepta MPO locking plate 210 that may include one or more first fasteningmechanisms 211 configured to interact with a groove on a top side of thehousing and one or more second fastening mechanisms configured tointeract with a groove on a bottom side of the housing (such as is shownin FIG. 2B), as described below. Without departing from the invention,the front side may have one or more grooves, and no grooves on thebottom side, while the top side may have no grooves and the bottom sidehas one or more grooves. Locking plate 210 further comprises a backsurface 213 and a shroud 212 partially extending circumferential andattached to proximal side of the back surface. A proximal position isdefined as nearer MT ferrule 240 or front of a connector, while a distalposition is further from ferrule 140 or nearer locking plate 210. Shroud212 partially covers an outer housing recess 223 when locking plate 210is fully inserted over a distal end of housing 220. In this position,fastening mechanism 211 or latch 211 is engaged in locking groove 221,as shown in FIG. 3A. The back side 213 is used to release locking plate210 from locking groove 221 by pulling on backside. The role of shroud212 is discussed more fully below.

As described in FIG. 3 below, latch 911 lifts out of groove 221, engagesa ramp surface 918, and as locking plate 910 is pulled from back side913, in the direction of arrow “A”, latch 911 comes to rest in releasegroove 224. Once in release groove 224 or unlocked position, as shown inFIG. 2A, connector assembly 200 can be removed from adapter as showninstalled therein in FIG. 6. Latch 911 is secured in release groove 224when surface 224 a restrains or stops further movement of latch 911.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 3A, housing 220 may also include one ormore outer housing recesses 223 and one or more hooks 222 that interlockwith MT ferrule 240. Referring to FIG. 2A a first side and a second sideof housing 220 may each include at least one outer housing recess 223.MT ferrule 240 may have an MPO flat pin assembly 230 within it, and ahousing 220 which together comprise MPO micro connector 137.Accordingly, once housing 220 is pushed onto MT ferrule 140 withpin-keep 230 or MT ferrule assembly 135, one or more hooks 222 act as alocking mechanism that engage MT ferrule edge 541 and MPO MT ferruleassembly is secured within connector housing 220. Comparing FIGS. 2B and3B with FIG. 8B, an overall length of MPO micro connector (200, 300)(FIGS. 2B, 3B respectively) is substantially shorter than a standard MPOconnector 800 of FIG. 8B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an embodiment in a “locked” state 300. As shownin FIG. 3A, housing 320 may contain a release groove 224 (not shown)that spans the width of the housing. Release groove 224 is covered toy ashroud 312, which is protecting one or more recesses 323. A recess 323may be located on a side of housing 320. In a further embodiment, MPOlocking plats 310 may include one or more first fastening mechanisms 311or latches 311 configured to interact with release groove 224 (notshown) and attach locking plate 310 to housing 320. In an embodiment,each of a top side 321 a and a bottom side 321 b of housing 320 mayinclude a release groove 224 (not shown), and MPO locking plate 310 mayinclude one or more first fastening mechanisms 311 configured tointeract with a locking groove 221 on a top side of housing 320 and oneor more second fastening mechanisms configured to interact with alocking groove 221 on a bottom side of housing 320. Locking groove 221secures locking plate 210 to a housing 320. The housing 320 may alsoinclude one or more hooks 322 that interlock with MT ferrule 340,wherein MT ferrule may have an MPO flat pin assembly 330 within it,together called the MPO micro connector 137. As shown in FIG. 3B, oncehousing 320 and locking plate 310 is pushed onto ferrule assembly 135,to form MPO micro connector 137, one or mere hooks 322 act as a lockingmechanism that engage MT ferrule edge 541 and secures MT ferruleassembly 135 to connector housing to form MPO micro connector 137 andlocking plate 110 is latched into a widthwise groove 224.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of micro-latch-lock system 400 to show furtherdetail of housing 420 that may contain a recess (not shown) thatsubstantially spans the width of the housing. The span necessary is alength of recess to capture a corresponding latch or hook to secure oneportion to a second portion of connector assembly in the presentinvention. In a further embodiment, MPO locking plate 410 may includeone or more first fastening mechanisms 411 is configured to interactwith a groove (not shown) and attach locking plate 410 to housing 420.Housing 420 may also include one or more hooks (not shown) thatinterlock with MT ferrule 440. MT ferrule may have an MPO flat pinassembly within it 430. Accordingly, once housing 420 is pushed onto MTferrule assembly 135, one or more hooks 222 (hooks not shown) act as alocking mechanism that secure assembly 135 in place to connectorhousing.

As shown in FIG. 5, embodiments as disclosed herein relate to a MPOmicro-latch-lock connector system 500. As discussed herein, the systemenables a micro connector to be used in a standard adapter 760,connector is secured using a latch-lock interface (511, 221, 224). Someembodiments, as disclosed herein may include a MPO locking plate 510, aMPO low profile connector housing 520, a MPO fiat metal pin assembly530, and a mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule boot 540. The MPO lockingplate 510 further comprises a shroud 512 and a back surface 513. Itshould be understood that depicted micro-latch-lock system 500 is anon-limiting example of a micro-latch-lock system, and that othersystems may include one, all, or some combination of the above-describedcomponents of the depicted micro-latch-lock system.

Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 5 and FIG. 8A, in FIG. 3A, MPO microconnector 300 is fully assembled in a locked position within an adapter(not shown). Latch 311 is in locking groove 221, and shroud 312substantially covers outer housing recess 323 to ensure an adapter arm770 (FIG. 7) does not release. By referring to FIG. 8A, all thecomponents from spring 863 to boot 868 are removed, in addition innerand outer housings (860, 862) are replaced by a single housing 520,further reducing components and overall size. As ferrule 540 decreasesin size, housing 520 and locking plate 510 can be reduced in size.

Referring to FIG. 5, ferrule 540 further comprises a boot 543 and anedge 541. Pin-keep 530 further comprise a guide opening 531. Uponassembly in the direction of arrows “A”, ferrule boot 543 is securedthrough guide opening 531, and ferrule edge 541 snaps in at distal endof hook 522 located on one or more sides of housing 520. Ferruleassembly comprising pin-keep 530 and ferrule 540, is now secured inhousing 520 when assembly engages hook 522. This assembly compares morefavorably to FIG. 8A. In FIG. 8A, the ferrule 140, pin-keep 130, spring863 and back body 864 are crimped together, then a boot 868 is insertedover the entire assembly. More assembly steps and components needed inthe conventional MPO connector of FIG. 8A than of FIG. 1 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 shows an additional illustrative view of some embodiments.Specifically, FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of MPO micro-latch-lockconnector 600 as it would interact with a standard off the shelf adapter660. As discussed herein, micro-latch-lock connector 600 may have a MPOlocking plate 610.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a top sectional view of an embodiment is shownwhere an MPO micro-latch-lock connector 700 interacts with an adapter760. In some embodiments, adapter 760 may have or more connecting arms770. One or more connecting arms 770 may be constructed of a flexiblematerial and may be angled slightly toward the center of the adapter, asshown. In further embodiments, when connector 700 (refer to FIG. 3A) isinserted and secured into adapter 760, the one or more connecting arms770 of the adapter may interact with one or more recesses 723 on thesides of the connector housing 720. This may allow connector 700 to bepositioned in a particular static location within adapter 760 to ensureproper connection with a second connector, at an opposing end of theadapter housing (not inserted therein). In some embodiments, and asdiscussed herein, micro-latch-lock connector 700 may have a MPO lockingplate 710. The MPO locking plate 710, as shown, may slide into a recess780 on the adapter 760. The MPO locking plate 710, shroud 312substantial covers the one or more connecting arms or adapter hooks 770,and the shroud helps prevent the arms from being forced from the one ormore adapter recesses 780. Thus, in some embodiments, the MPO lockingplate 710, may ensure that connector 700 and adapter 760 are securelyconnected and fastened together.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, adapter arms 770 are secured in recess723 (refer to FIG. 3A at 323). In the locked position, shroud 312 coversarm 770 sufficiently enough to ensure arms 770 will not release whenconnector is in a locked configuration, as shown in FIG. 3A andinstalled in an adapter, as shown in FIG. 7. The connector is removed bypulling the back side 713 in the direction of the arrow “A”, once thelatch 511 is captured in release groove 224 (refer to FIG. 2A), theconnector is pulled further. This results in adapter arms 770 withhooks, moving up (refer to arrow at 714 a) along ramp surface 714,thereby allowing the connector to be removed from the adapter.

Referring to FIG. 9 to remove MPO micro connector 300, the user pulls onback surface 913, and fastening mechanism 911 lifts along a ramp 918,and further pulling in the direction of the arrow “A”, latch 911 fallsinto the release groove 224. The latch is secured in release groove 224when latch engages surface 224 a, which acts as a stop.

Referring to FIG. 7, locking plate shroud surface 710.1 forms anadditional lock with adapter housing inner surface 760.2 to furthersecure the micro connector within adapter 760. Adapter 760 furthercomprises latching arms 760.3 that further secure and position housing220 comprising ferrule assembly 135 and locking plate 110 into adapterhousing 760.1 to help ensure reduced signal loss. In some embodiments,adapter 760 may be able to connect to connectors, such as 700, on eachof a first end 718 and a second end 719. Each of the first end and thesecond end may have similar components as those shown in FIG. 7.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbolstypically identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detaileddescription, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presentedherein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in thefigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designedin a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods andapparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to thoseenumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intendedto fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosureis to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isto be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularmethods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, whichcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodiesof the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (forexample, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including butnot limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, anddevices are described in terms of “comprising” various components orsteps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), thecompositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of” or“consist of” the various components and steps, and such terminologyshould be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. Itwill be further understood by those within the art that if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intentwill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (for example, “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example,the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, meansat least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, inthose instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B,and C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended inthe sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention(for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (for example, “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, et cetera As a non-limiting example, each range discussed hereincan be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upperthird, et cetera As will also be understood by one skilled in the artall language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include thenumber recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken downinto subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by oneskilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, forexample, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2,3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, oralternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systemsor applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is alsointended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical fiber connector comprising: a housingdisposed around at least a portion of a mechanical transfer ferrule, thehousing comprising a top side, and a bottom side, wherein a top orbottom side comprises at least one first groove; a locking platecomprising one or more first fastening mechanisms each configured toengage within the at least one first groove; and a shroud partiallyextending circumferential at a first end of the locking plate, whereinthe shroud is configured to sufficiently cover a housing outer recess.2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprisescomprising at least one second groove at the bottom or top side.
 3. Theconnector of claim 2, wherein the locking plate comprises a secondfastening mechanism configured to engage with the at least one secondgroove or at least one first groove.
 4. The connector of claim 1,wherein the housing outer recess is configured to accept an adapter armto secure the connector within the adapter.
 5. The connector of claimwherein the at least one first groove traverses at least one of aportion of the top side or the bottom side of the housing, or anentirety of the top side or bottom side of the housing.
 6. The connectorof claim 1, wherein the one or more first fastening mechanisms traverseat least one of a portion of the top side of the locking plate.
 7. Theconnector of claim 3, wherein the one or more second fasteningmechanisms traverse at least one of a portion of the bottom side of thelocking plate.
 8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the locking platelatch engages the first groove in a locked position for insertion intoan adapter.
 9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the locking platefurther comprises a back side configured to be pulled onto to releaseconnector from the first groove and unlock the connector.
 10. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein the locking plate latch engages the secondgroove in an unlocked and stopped position for removal of connector froman adapter.
 11. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a flat pinassembly having at least one pin;
 12. The connector of claim 11, whereinthe mechanical transfer ferrule boot is disposed around at least aportion of the flat pin assembly;
 13. A locking plate comprising: ashroud partially extending circumferential at a first end of the lockingplate; a back side at a second end of the locking plate; at least onefastening mechanism positioned on a side of the locking plate, whereinthe fastening mechanism is configured to engage and latch to a groovelocated at an outer surface of a connector housing.
 14. The lockingplate of claim 13, further comprising a second fastening mechanismpositioned opposite the first fastening mechanism and engaging a secondgroove at the outer surface of a connector housing.
 15. A method ofremoving a connector from an adapter comprising: pulling on a backsideof a locking plate; sliding locking plate until a first or secondfastening mechanism engages a second recess on a surface of a connectorhousing; and pulling connector at a proximal end out of an adapter.